Michael Jon Hick, infant son of Brayden Hick and Lacey Van Vark of Peoria, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. He was born Sept. 15, 2025, at MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. From the moment he was born, he was “all boy” and was happiest being held upright so he could take in the world around him. Though he never spoke a word, he was an effective communicator through his facial expressions and baby giggles. On the rare occasion of his discontent, he was easily put in a good mood with a bath, bottle, or car ride with tunes jamming. He would light up when the “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” or his mom and dad’s favorite “Wheels on the Bus” were sung or played for him. He was a bright spot in his family and could make the heaviest of days seem lighter.
His loved ones left behind include his dad and mom, Brayden and Lacey; paternal grandparents Haven and Lisa Hick “Gigi and Popi;” maternal grandparents Jon Van Vark (Lacinda Schilling) and Kacey Van Vark; great-grandparents Kevin and Mary Hick, Terri McAtee, Bryce and Verla Van Vark, and Gerri and Walt Minard; great-great-grandparents Dean Hick, and Clyde and Ursula Minard; aunts and uncles, Henry and Charlize Hick, Charlie Hick, Jacey Van Vark, Brooke Van Vark, and Destiny Birkenholtz; and many more family and friends.
He was welcomed into Heaven by many family members that have gone on before him.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastors Jerry Morningstar and Treye Schupbach officiating. Michael will be cremated and his urn will be buried in a private service at Peoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pathways in Pella or the Birthing Center at MHP.
